Inspecting the vaginal walls?

I realize this is probably some very naive question!

I've seen videos of speculum examinations where the device is fully inserted and opened. This allows inspecting the cervix or conducting a pap smear. What is seen is the "deep end" of the vagina.

I'm wondering - does it happen that the speculum is opened without being fully inserted, to be able to inspect the vaginal wall? How does one see the wall?

I can't speak to other women but it has never happened to me. My OBGYN will also do a digital exam with her fingers after she checks the cervix. She'll stick two fingers in and press down on my lower abdomen. That being said if the doctor is using a plastic speculum they would also get a chance to see the vaginal walls.

The speculum can be slightly closed after the cervical exam and slowly withdrawn, stretching the vaginal walls slightly and allowing for good visualization.

In this case, the speculum is not closed completely, and not rotated 90° for removal.

During a play exam I would normally use a metal speculum to inspect the cervix and do the pap smear. But then I fully insert and open a plastic speculum, and as @Nixie says with the light you can visualise the vaginal walls. It's interesting to note that some of the pubic hair is often taken into the vagina with the speculum, this is clearly visible with the light through the transparent plastic. I guess it depends if the woman is natural or trimmed....

Indeed, during a gynecological examination, particular attention must be paid to the condition of the vaginal walls.

In practice, before inserting the speculum, the appearance of the vulva is carefully examined by spreading the labia and the Batholin glands are checked by gently pressing them with a gloved hand.

It is also at this time that we will be very careful to free the pubic hairs so as not to pinch them or pull them at the risk of causing pain for the patient.

Then we introduce the speculum with closed and vertical blades by rotating so that we arrive with horizontal blades.

At this time we will move aside to check that we are in the axis of the cervix to see its condition and take a smear or biopsy sample if necessary.

Then, when removing the instrument, we hold the blades slightly apart (having removed the blockage by the screw) and when removing it we examine the vaginal walls.

This step must be carried out with dexterity so as not to pinch the tissues studied.

If in doubt, the inside of the vagina can be dabbed with a compress soaked in acetic acid to ensure there is no risk of condyloma.

Personally, I am not a fan of transparent plastic speculums, I prefer metal instruments (Collin or Cusco) which are easier to insert without pain.